2/10/2014

Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced today that Tim King has been confirmed as the newest appointee to the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners. King, Founder and CEO of Urban Prep Academies, will fill the existing vacancy. King will begin serving his term at the February 11th meeting of the Board of Commissioners.

“A native Chicagoan, Tim King has worked tirelessly to help our City’s youth achieve success both in and out of the classroom, and I am confident that his dedication to helping our young people thrive will enrich the work of the Chicago Park District,” said Mayor Emanuel. “From expanding Parks programming to opening new recreational facilities, parks and playgrounds across the City, we can ensure that children in every neighborhood have opportunities and safe spaces to learn, grow and play.”

“I am greatly honored to serve as the newest member of the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners,” said King. “As a life-long educator, I recognize the critical role the Chicago Park District plays in providing high-quality, safe out-of-school time activities and other special programming opportunities for youth and families in our city. I look forward to fulfilling the responsibilities of this position and to working with my fellow commissioners to support the vitally important role of the Chicago Park District.”

Tim King is founder, President and CEO of Urban Prep Academies, a nonprofit organization operating a network of public college-prep boys’ schools in Chicago (including the nation’s first all-male, charter high school) and related programs aimed at promoting college success. Among the organization’s credits is that 100% of Urban Prep graduates—all African-American males coming from mostly from low-income families—have been admitted to four-year colleges/universities. King also serves as an Adjunct Lecturer at Northwestern University. He has been recognized by President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton for his work with youth.

The Chicago Park District is the largest municipal park manager in the nation and owner of more than 8,100 acres of green space. We invite you to take in a concert or a movie at one of our 580 parks, to expand your horizons by registering for one of our thousands of programs offered throughout our 260 field houses, to get a great workout indoors at one of our state-of-the-art fitness centers, or outdoors along Lake Michigan’s 26 miles of pristine lakefront, or enjoy nature with a peaceful visit.